Tuesday, July 23, 2024

So precious

It all began when precious cargo was loaded onboard,
And their mission was to bring it safe to the Northern part of the world.
Ship is manned by trained and skillful sailors,
Who will journey the wintery North Atlantic, like fearless gladiators.

Off they sail with wind of a beaufort eight,
Passing the corner of the famous Florida strait.
Speeding up, cruising the gulf stream!
Four knots more, you know what it means!

Dark threatening clouds lie in low altitude!
Somewhere within the so-called, horse latitude,
Those massive swell, rolling from the west,
As they steer the ship carefully north east!

Barometer drops at the Seamount of Gondor,
The valiant men locked all the watertight doors.
A stationary Low is seen in the Seamount of Ronan,
A helmsman is on standby with a steady hand.

Speed slacks along Edoras Bank,
But upon reaching Fangorn bank they almost had empty forward fuel tank!
Gusty wind blows at point Isengard Ridge,
As the experienced skipper manuevers in the Bridge.

Day by day as they continue their journey,
Precious cargo is monitored regularly.
Dolphins race and play as they flip their fins,
And seagulls soar high, spreading their wings!

At last, the tower of Landegode is insight!
Flashing three bright white lights
Here comes the pilot to guide without hestitation
Bringing the precious cargo safe to its destination.

Such a meaningful POEM, which reminds me why we Seafarer do sacrifice onboard

MY SON


I sometimes wish you were still small.
Not yet so big and strong and tall.
For when I think of yesterday.
I close my eyes and see you play.

I often miss that little boy.
Who pestered me to buy a toy.
Who filled my days with pure delight.
From early morn to late at night.

We watch our children change and grow
As seasons come then quickly go.
But our God has a perfect plan
To shape a boy into a man.

Today my son I'm proud of you
for all the thoughtful things you do.
I'll love you till my days are done.
And I'm so grateful you're my son.


Poem by: Larry Howland


Opening Remarks on 42nd Anniversary of Sigma Rho Fraternity Neptune Chapter of Iloilo March 8,2013

To our honored guests:
Mr. Jay Victor Mabilog, representative of our City Mayor, Jed Patrick Mabilog 

Congressman Jerry Trenas of the lone district of Iloilo

Hon. Brod Jesulito "Jess" Manalo, Representative of ANGKLA PartyList

Brod. Rex Demafelis

Brod. JP Quimpo

Brod. Ruel Velasco

Our Beloved Brothers and Sisters who came from near and far just to be with us today…

I am very happy to have been given the chance to welcome you all to the culmination of our 42nd Anniversary.

It’s been twenty one years since I took my oath as a full-fledged Sigma Rho member.  I was just an ordinary student then, who did not even aspire to be in the dean’s list.  But it was my brother-in-law, Atty. Cornelio V. Salinas whom I deeply admired who stirred in me a great desire to be a part of this fraternity.  For me, Nong Nel or Brod. Kune to many of you, epitomized the noble virtues of a Sigma Rhoan brother:  hard-working, humble, loyal, just and dignified. So even without being prodded, I sought the John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation chapter of the Sigma Rho – yes, that was the Neptune Chapter.

When I took my vow, I was asked what my philosophy was.  I replied: “Keep in mind, a faithful friend is hard to find.” Ultimately, it also became my guiding principle for the past twenty-one years as a Sigma Rho member.

Having braved many storms in my life and career, I have proven over and over again that my Sigma Rho brothers and sisters are the only true friends I could find.  It was also the inspiration I got from them that prompted me to reach the height of my career – from being an ordinary midshipman of John B. Lacson – Baybay to being----- a world class ---Master Mariner and now faculty of our beloved institution: John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo.  

And like Nong Nel, wherever life finds me, even after being challenged sometimes by my European subordinates onboard, or by some corrupt port authorities in foreign countries, I always hold on to the Sigma Rhoan virtues of justness, honor, and dignity. So I could always come home with my INTEGRITY being intact. 
 
Brothers and sisters, I am overwhelmed with pride, honor and gratitude to see all of you right now.  To know that many would have still wanted to come and join us still only if circumstances permitted.  To them, especially to those who are onboard, we also dedicate this affair.  

Welcome everyone!  And happy 42nd to us all!  

For the Sigma Rho. Fight! 
For the Lambda Sigma Rho. Fight!
For the Neptune Chapter. Fight!

Good evening...










I am in Command!

To be in command is every mariner's dream.  
I am fortunate to have reached mine.




I am a Befälhavare -- a captain in command.

And this is my voice.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

PERILS OF THE SEA

PERILS OF THE SEA

by: Capt. Daniel Winston S. Generato


Phenomenon that arises in ocean, at  bay or in sea,

Even in what location we might be...

Regardless of the type of vessel we're sailing in,

International or Domestic or from which you are trading in...

Latitude, Longtitude, from the North, the South, East or West or in

Seasons like Winter, Spring, Autum or Summer which is BEST...


Of course many of them back home say,we are LUCKY to see the WORLD for FREE, but

For they have the least idea, massive SWELL and GALE force winds are plenty and threaten to harm us unexpectedly!


Tropical Storms, Low Pressures or the dangerous Hurricanes...

Heavy Pitching and Rolling can drive you INSANE... but amazingly

Every SAILOR knows we'll see the sun happily arising after the heavy rain...


Sailor strives to remain focus, be brave despite of the odds and the homesickness working at sea

Everyone's prayer night and day, to finish the contract successfully, not for us but especially for our family...then

Again we can come home safe to the loving arms of our family, after the long months spent battling the 

"PERILS OF THE SEA"


Friday, July 15, 2016

Leadership style

What kind of Leadership do you possess onboard... What will be the best style to use onboard your ship:
Authoritative
Participative
Delegative

Saturday, May 14, 2016

The Visit

The gate squeaks with rust. The flowers are gone. The ponds are empty and dry. Ceilings droop. Everything seems dilapidated. A contrast to how things were in the past.

I went around. I can almost feel my mother's breath on the walls. I still see vividly how she and dad had kept everything perfectly cozy and comfortable.

I was teary-eyed, thankful one daughter was with me. I see life, I see death. I see people come and go. I see rise and fall, excellence and destruction. I see life's cycle.

None of us wanted the house. No one amongst the eleven. No one wanted to stay. We have carved our niche elsewhere under the sun.

And so the old house shall stay. Until blown away by seasons, dust and wind. But wherever we go, whatever we do... a part of us remains there.
#TillTheNextVisit....

by: Mary Sarah Georgie Generato Flores